Contact Information:

George Mason University. Libraries. Special Collections Research Center.

Creator

Virginia Nelson

Title

Virginia Nelson playbills collection

Date

1939-2007

Physical Characteristics

6 linear feet (12 boxes)

Abstract

This collection contains playbills for performances at a variety of venues in the Washington D.C. metro area, including the National Theatre, Arena Stage, the New Gayety Theatre, the Warner Theatre, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as multiple smaller, local theatres and companies, and others across the United States and internationally.

Following World War II, Washington, D.C. gradually acquired a vibrant theatre and performing arts scene, due in large part to the population growth as the federal government expanded. In particular the opening of John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in the early 1970s signaled the great importance of performing arts for the citizens of the Washington, D.C. metro area.

The Virginia Nelson playbills collection represents the rise and expansion of theatre and the performing arts in the Metro D.C. area, including a variety of performances at a multitude of venues over the course of eight decades, beginning in the 1930s and ending in the early 2000s. From plays and musical theatre, to opera, ballet, and musical acts, the gamut of the performing arts is represented within the collection. This collection contains playbills for performances at a variety of D.C. area venues, including the National Theatre, Arena Stage, the New Gayety Theatre, the Warner Theatre, Wolf Trap, Signature Theatre, and the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, as well as other theatres across the nation and abroad, including those from Broadway in New York and the West End in London. Many of the playbills come from renowned "classic" performances of certain works, many starring famous actors. Also represented in the collection are smaller, local theatrical venues, companies, and performances. Note: Included in the collection were a number of Arena Stage Playbills, which were removed except for one that was not already included in the Arena Stage records. All other Arena Stage playbills (before the 2006/2007 season) are available in the Arena Stage records.